Lara Raj Biography: Age, KATSEYE, K-pop, The Blacklist, Tamil Heritage, Queer, Net Worth, Songs, Albums

Lara Raj is an Indian-American singer, dancer, and actress. She is a member of the K-pop girl group KATSEYE, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, having earned her spot as the runner-up on the survival show The Debut: Dream Academy.

Trained as a triple-threat performer since the age of four, Lara is recognized for her role as Sara on NBC’s The Blacklist and has appeared in commercials for brands like Macy’s and Spotify.

She has also been featured in Michelle Obama‘s Global Girls Alliance campaign, performed at notable venues including the House of Blues and Hard Rock Café, and received scholarships at prestigious dance conventions.

Profile

• Full Name: Lara Raj
• Stage Name: Lara Raj
• Born: 3 November 2005
• Age: 19 years old
• Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Indian-American singer, dancer, and actress
• Height: 167 cm
• Parent: Kavita Raj and Sri Lankan
• Siblings: Rhea Raj
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Lara Raj was born on November 3, 2005, in Dallas, Texas, but currently resides in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Kavita Raj, who is Indian, and Sri Rajagopalan, who is Sri Lankan; both are ethnically Tamil. Lara has an older sister, Rhea Raj, who is also a singer-songwriter.

She attended the Professional Performing Arts School and graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York City, majoring in drama. Lara lived in New York during her middle and high school years. She identifies with her Tamil heritage, reflecting her parents’ Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil background, while her religious affiliation is unknown.

Career

Lara Raj began her entertainment career at a very young age, training in singing, dancing, and acting from just four years old. Early on, she built a solid foundation as a triple-threat performer through acting roles, commercial appearances, and dance performances.

In 2023, Lara competed in The Debut: Dream Academy, a global survival reality show created to form a new girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records. She earned second place among thousands of contestants worldwide, securing her position in KATSEYE, HYBE’s first U.S.-based girl group, which debuted with their EP SIS (Soft is Strong) on June 28, 2024.

As the main vocalist of KATSEYE, Lara is celebrated for her strong stage presence and vocal prowess. The group’s name, inspired by the iridescent cat’s eye gemstone, symbolizes the distinct qualities of each member, with Lara contributing the stylized “K” to give it a modern edge. Since debut, KATSEYE has quickly amassed a dedicated international fanbase known as EYEKONs and has embarked on an Asia tour, showcasing their polished performances and global appeal.

Alongside her music career, Lara has expanded her presence in entertainment through various TV specials and events, including co-hosting the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” campaign on Wonderama TV and performing on holiday programs like Good Morning Texas and the Kids Holiday Special.

Lara’s extensive background in acting and dance began early with lead roles in school productions such as The Lion King and Bye Bye Birdie, and she trained as a company dancer at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has performed live at prominent venues including the American Airlines Center, House of Blues, and Hard Rock Café. Lara has also appeared in commercials for major brands like Macy’s and Nike.

Her ongoing participation in The Debut: Dream Academy documented her journey into the music industry and continues to highlight her evolving career as a versatile entertainer.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @lararaj

Personal Life

Lara Raj is currently not publicly known to be in a relationship. She has openly identified as queer and addressed dating rumors involving fellow KATSEYE members, clarifying that they are close friends and not romantically involved.

Discography

Singles:

• Debut (June 28, 2024)
• Touch (July 26, 2024)
• Touch (ft. YEONJUN of TOMORROW X TOGETHER) (July 26, 2024)
• Gnarly (April 30, 2025)

Extended Play (EP):

• SIS (Soft Is Strong) (August 16, 2024), featuring tracks:
• Debut
• Touch
• My Way
• I’m Pretty
• Tonight I Might

Filmography

• The Blacklist (TV series, 2018)

Net Worth

Lara Raj’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her primary income stems from her work as a singer, dancer, and actress, particularly as a member of the K-pop group KATSEYE under HYBE and Geffen Records. She also generates revenue through endorsements, modeling campaigns like Macy’s, and her strong social media presence, where she engages over 2 million Instagram followers with covers and dance content.